Mailboxhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/14222/all
enOvernight Recap: Carousel, Simple Starter Plan, Mailbox for Mac, Netflix 4Khttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_carousel_simple_starter_plan_mailbox_mac_netflix_4k
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/carousel_620px.png" alt="Carousel" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>My, my, my, the Apple rumor mill is certainly spinning like a hamster in a cage this week, with wild speculation running rampant about an avalanche of new products on the way from Cupertino starting this summer. Bigger iPhone 6? Check. iWatch in two sizes? Check. iPad Air and iPad mini with Touch ID? Check. Better start saving your pennies just in case, folks...</p><h3>Dropbox Unveils Carousel Cloud Storage for Photos &amp; Videos</h3><p>Cloud storage provider Dropbox is spreading its wings and flying into a number of new places this week, <a href="https://blog.dropbox.com/2014/04/introducing-carousel/" target="_blank">f</a><a href="https://blog.dropbox.com/2014/04/introducing-carousel/" target="_blank">irst with a new iPhone and Android app released Wednesday</a> for viewing photos and videos stored on the service. <a href="https://www.carousel.com" target="_blank">Carousel</a> (ironically the original name of Adobe's similar Revel service) not only offers a swipe-friendly place to view images, but automatically backs them up via Dropbox, allowing users to "travel back in time to any photo from any date." Of course, to hold a lifetime of memories you'll need an appropriately sized Dropbox account, and Carousel appears to make it easy to privately share with friends and family as well.</p><h3>T-Mobile US Debuts New $40 Per Month Simple Starter Plan</h3><p>The fine folks at T-Mobile US are at it again, this time with three days of initiatives presumably aimed at warming up to the carrier's next big Uncarrier unveil. <a href="http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&amp;p=irol-newsarticle&amp;ID=1917226" target="_blank">The first of these was announced Wednesday</a> with the introduction of a new Simple Starter Plan priced at $40 per month for unlimited talk and text plus up to 500MB of 4G LTE data with tethering. Launching April 12, Simple Starter Plan does have a catch or two: Subscribers won't get T-Mobile's latest international perks, and data will be capped at 500MB, rather than throttled to a slower speed like the carrier's other plans. But for consumers with lower data needs who don't need the global perks, 40 bucks a month is about as cheap as it gets.</p><h3>Mailbox Arrives for Android, Mac OS X</h3><p><a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/blog/#/posts/82209350462" target="_blank">The second phase of Dropbox's multi-pronged assault Wednesday</a> is the expansion of Mailbox, the formerly iOS-only app the cloud provider acquired just over a year ago. The team hasn't been sitting idle during that time, announcing the availability of Mailbox for Android (now available for download from Google Play) as well as a beta of Mailbox for Mac, which will only be available to those who <a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/#download" target="_blank">sign up for it on the company's website</a>. The developers also introduced a new feature called auto-swipe, which claims to learn from the user's swipes and snoozes, then automates common actions before you can.</p><h3>Netflix Begins Streaming in 4K Ultra HD</h3><p><a href="http://www.multichannel.com/news/tv-apps/netflix-starts-stream-4k/373677" target="_blank">Multichannel News is reporting</a> that Netflix has flipped the switch on 4K streaming, starting with its exclusive second season of <em>House of Cards</em> as well as "some nature documentaries" offered by the service. Also known as Ultra HD, the 4K streams require a television capable of decoding HEVC/H.265 which also includes the appropriate version of Netflix, such as the Samsung HU8500 used by HDTV Test, who first spotted the upgraded video during testing of that hardware. Netflix is promising "a lot of content" yet to come, which will include the company's original programming as well as popular TV series such as <em>Breaking Bad</em>.</p><h3>Show Your Stuff with Snupps</h3><p><a href="https://www.snupps.com/" target="_blank">Snupps</a>, an organizing and cataloging app for iOS, mysteriously disappeared out of the App Store a couple months ago, but will make its triumphant return on Thursday — and with expanded functionality. Though the core concept of photographing and detailing all your belongings to, as CEO Sari Anabtawi puts it, “bring out the collector in all of us” remains the same, the app has been redesigned with an easier-to-use interface, a ratings system, and a bigger social component that allows you to follow other users’ collections. The revamped Snupps app will be available free on iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone, along with the web-based version.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_carousel_simple_starter_plan_mailbox_mac_netflix_4k#commentsNews4K TVandroidCarouselDropboxMac OS XMailboxnetflixovernight recapSimple Starter PlanSnuppsT-Mobile USiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 10 Apr 2014 12:29:42 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19719 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: MyGlass Comes & Goes, Mailbox Adds Yahoo, iCloud Emailhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_myglass_comes_goes_mailbox_adds_yahoo_icloud_email
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/myglass_for_ios_620px.png" alt="MyGlass for iOS" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple will be closing up shop on iTunes Connect for the holidays beginning this Saturday, December 21, effectively freezing apps in time for nearly a week as the elves who work in the iOS and Mac App Stores enjoy time off with their families. Developers are racing to push out updates to their existing apps before the shutdown, including a few featured in today's recap...</p><h3>Google Releases, Then Yanks, MyGlass Companion App for iPhone</h3><p>Google Glass early adopters have been waiting impatiently for the promised companion app for iPhone, and the day appears to be coming soon. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/17/google-releases-new-myglass-companion-app-for-google-glass/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, Google released the aptly named MyGlass app on Tuesday, which is used to configure and manage Glass settings from the handset. Unfortunately, MyGlass has mysteriously vanished from the App Store as quickly as it came, suggesting that Google released it prematurely. Here's hoping the free iOS app will return in time for the holiday break next week, when Apple effectively shuts down the store from pushing updates or new releases.</p><h3>Dropbox-Owned Mailbox Finally Adds iCloud, Yahoo</h3><p><a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/blog/?p=1#mailbox-now-for-icloud-and-yahoo-mail" target="_blank">Mailbox announced Tuesday</a> that the Dropbox-owned third-party email solution has now added support for iCloud and Yahoo accounts, including older me.com and mac.com addresses. Version 1.7.0 of the free app also supports background syncing and includes the option to disable the "help me get to zero" banner as well as the swipe to open drawer, as well as the requisite bug fixes and user interface improvements. Dropbox users can also link their account with Mailbox and receive 1GB of free cloud storage, so it's worth downloading and putting through its paces just for that alone.</p><h3>All Apps Must Be Optimized for iOS 7 Beginning Feb. 1</h3><p>Apple wants iOS 7 to be the de facto experience for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners -- so much so that developers will be required to optimize their code for it come February 1. <a href="https://developer.apple.com/news/index.php?id=12172013a" target="_blank">According to a news post on the Apple Developer portal</a>, "new apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must be built with the latest version of Xcode 5 and must be optimized for iOS 7." Sadly, this move probably won't do much to encourage developers of orphaned apps to clean up their act, especially when Cupertino already requires app updates to be updated for the larger iPhone 5 display.</p><h3>Coast by Opera 2.0 Arrives with Sleeker, Faster Performance</h3><p>Part web browser, part Flipboard-style news reader, <a href="http://www.operasoftware.com/press/releases/mobile/2013-12-17" target="_blank">Opera Software announced Tuesday</a> the release of Coast by Opera 2.0, a big update to the iPad-only app. In addition to the ability to easily customize wallpaper with a long press on the home screen, the update offers a lightning-fast way to return to the previous page. PDFs can now be opened in other apps, and tiles that offer music or video playback can now be controlled with ease from the iPad lock screen. The free Coast by Opera 2.0 is now available from the App Store.</p><h3>Siri-Like Speaktoit Finally Hits Version 1.0 on iOS</h3><p>Although <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speaktoit-assistant/id491854246?mt=8" target="_blank">Speaktoit Assistant</a> has been floating around on the App Store for nearly a year, the app only this week celebrated a milestone with the release of version 1.0, delivering iOS 7 compatibility for the free Siri alternative which works on many older devices where Apple's virtual assistant does not. With more than nine million downloads on the Android platform, the universal Speaktoit now offers a lifetime Premium subscription upgrade which can now be had for $5.99 -- a whopping 70 percent discount, but only until this Friday, December 20, so act fast if you want a more personalized virtual assistant experience than Siri.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of MacRumors)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_myglass_comes_goes_mailbox_adds_yahoo_icloud_email#commentsNewsApp StoreCoast by OperaGoogle GlassiCloudiOS 7iPad AppsMailboxMyGlassovernight recapSpeaktoit AssistantyahooiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 18 Dec 2013 13:39:12 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18899 at http://www.maclife.comSkimbox Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/skimbox_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Triage email apps have forever changed our inboxes. Where we used to have dozens of messages we could barely keep track of, we now have a system of sorting unique to our needs. Apps like Mailbox and Dispatch do a fantastic job of keeping our messages moving, but there's still a danger that we could forget an important email that's been tucked out of view.<br /><br />Skimbox addresses such concerns with a smarter approach to email filtering. It breaks your inbox into two parts: Mainbox, reserved for important messages, and Skimbox, which contains the rest of the emails sitting in your inbox. A fairly intelligent algorithm automatically sorts messages it deems important, learning from what you read and who you reply to.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/10/screen_39.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>As we've come to expect with these sorts of apps, Skimbox utilizes a series of swipes and gestures to quickly navigate through your messages and keep your inboxes clean. Emails that aren't sorted properly can be moved to your Mainbox with a quick swipe, with swipes also used to archive, delete, and defer, the last of which lets you delay action on messages for as long as you want.<br /><br />While we like the dual-inbox concept, Skimbox arrives with several issues in tow. For one, the interface seems unfinished, stuck somewhere between the respective aesthetics of iOS 6 and iOS 7. Composing a new message, meanwhile, requires an unnecessary trip to the sidebar, and we found similar navigational idiosyncrasies elsewhere, which detract from its goal of speed and simplicity.<br /><br />There’s no way to create new folders or labels in Skimbox, and we’re furthermore perplexed by its inability to sync with our contacts. It only supports one account at a time, and there isn't a way to switch to an alternate one. We also experienced more than a few crashes in our testing, and emails were extremely slow to arrive, often several minutes behind Mailbox.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line</strong>. Skimbox may be a good idea on paper, but it skimps a bit too much on important details.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skimbox/id686104412" target="_blank">Skimbox 2.2</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Riparian Data </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.skimbox.co" target="_blank">http://www.skimbox.co</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 6.0 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Clever dual-inbox concept. Good use of gestures. Smart filtering.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Ugly UI. Unintuitive navigation. No support for multiple accounts. Some crashing. Slow fetching of emails.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/skimbox_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeEmailinboxiPhone and iPod AppsiPod and iPhoneMailboxreviewsSkimboxSoftwaresoftwareiPodThu, 24 Oct 2013 14:00:43 +0000Michael Simon18413 at http://www.maclife.comForthcoming Ping App Promises to Unite Email and Instant Messaginghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/forthcoming_ping_app_promises_unite_email_and_instant_messaging
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ping_app_620px.png" alt="Ping app" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Despite efforts to reinvent traditional email with the likes of Gmail and Mailbox, users are stuck with pretty much the same experience in the end. But a new app called Ping hopes to change all that.<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/5/4694568/ping-for-iphone-app-does-merging-email-and-instant-messaging-make-sense" target="_blank"><br />The Verge reported Thursday</a> that a new iPhone app named Ping will debut on September 18 and promises to combine email with instant messaging in a "fascinating and useful new way."<br /><br />Despite the unfortunate name that immediately brings up bitter memories of Apple's failed social network for music, the teaser video for the Ping app certainly looks promising enough, with a conversation-style inbox that shows a list of names while the subject lines are hidden. It also uses a variety of email services including iCloud, unlike competitors like Mailbox, which remains a Gmail client for now.<br /><br />While communicating with users who aren't using Ping, the app can only do so much to disguise that it's just an email client, but when both users are part of the Ping service, boring emails become more like instant messaging, complete with read receipts, typing indicators and MMS-style attachments. Ping also integrates video and voice chat as well.<br /><br />Despite all of these advancements, the report concludes that Ping is "a bit rough around the edges, doesn't always sync reliably, and isn't as fast as Mailbox," but real email junkies will probably want to <a href="http://pingapp.com" target="_blank">head to the company's website</a> and enter their mobile number to reserve a place in line to try it out anyway.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73528012?byline=0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/73528012">Ping - Your email. Reimagined.</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/pingapp">Ping</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/forthcoming_ping_app_promises_unite_email_and_instant_messaging#commentsNewsApp Storechatcoming soonEmailemail accountGmailinstant messagingMailboxnew appsPingReservationsiPhoneFri, 06 Sep 2013 11:42:37 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17972 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight (App) Recap: Documents 4.3, InDesign CC, 1GB Free Dropbox Storagehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_app_recap_documents_43_indesign_cc_1gb_free_dropbox_storage
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/documents-4.3-620px.jpg" alt="Documents 4.3" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Welcome to a special all-app edition of our overnight recap for this fine Friday! Should you choose to continue reading, you'll be dazzled by the latest app-tacular updates available for both iOS and OS X, and we've even managed to squeeze a freebie in there for users of the popular cloud storage service Dropbox. So without further ado, let's dive in… and have an "appy" weekend!</p><h3>Documents 4.3 Updated with Drag-and-Drop, Photo Library</h3><p>If there's one thing missing from iOS that desktop computer users have become accustomed to, it's drag and drop. With the latest version 4.3 of its free, universal Documents app released Thursday, the folks at Readdle have closed that gap, allowing files to be moved easily between folders or even sidebar folders such as iCloud and Dropbox. And that's not all: The update also adds integration with the photo library, and introduces the ability to quickly access favorite files just by dropping them in the sidebar or moving them to the Starred folder. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/documents-by-readdle/id364901807?mt=8" target="_blank">Documents by Readdle 4.3</a> is now available for download from the App Store.</p><h3>Adobe InDesign CC Update Adds Sync Settings</h3><p><a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/creativelayer/adobe-indesign-cc-update-sync-settings-between-computers/" target="_blank">Adobe pushed out yet another update to one of its core Creative Cloud applications on Thursday</a>, this time adding Sync Settings to Adobe InDesign CC, the company's flagship page layout software. While other key applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator were able to synchronize keyboard shortcuts, presets and workspaces between Mac and PCs via Creative Cloud since the June release, InDesign CC was left out of the party -- an oversight the company has now corrected with this week's update, which can be downloaded from the Creative Cloud Desktop app.</p><h3>Link Your Dropbox Account with Mailbox, Get 1GB Storage Free</h3><p>Who doesn't love a deal, especially one that comes with free cloud storage from one of the stingiest providers around? Now that Dropbox owns the Gmail-centric Mailbox app for iOS, the company has bundled a little Easter egg inside the latest version, <a href="http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/08/19/dropbox-gives-users-1gb-of-extra-space-just-for-linking-their-account-with-mailbox/" target="_blank">as detailed this week by The Next Web</a>. By simply linking your existing Dropbox account to the free Mailbox app, you'll pick up an extra 1GB of free cloud storage -- and the freebie works even if you've previously linked the two (just unlink and relink to claim the storage). You're welcome...</p><h3>Student Hub Chegg Debuts E-Textbook App for iOS, Android</h3><p>Chegg, Inc. announced the launch of its completely rebuilt and redesigned mobile apps this week, which deliver rented textbooks in electronic form to your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Android device. The update adds an improved e-textbook reader as well as guided solutions, all from one place, with more than 2.5 million options available via $14.99 per month subscription. By downloading now, Chegg will offer up two free guided solutions each and every week as well as a free e-textbook preview of more than 2,500 titles, so <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chegg/id385758163?mt=8" target="_blank">head to the App Store</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chegg&amp;hl=en" target="_blank">Google Play</a> to grab the latest version today.</p><h3>FxFactory Adds $49 Nattress Contrast Plugin</h3><p>This last one is for all you Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, Motion and After Effects users: Noise Industries announced the debut of the new <a href="http://www.noiseindustries.com/blog/final-cut-pro/nattress-contrast-filters-for-final-cut-pro-premiere-pro-motion-and-after-effects/" target="_blank">Nattress Contrast</a> plugin this week, a collection of four filters that help create visual impact in videos by adjusting the contrast in unique ways. The $49 bundle includes Bleach Bypass, Detail Preserve Contrast, Hyper Contrast and Luma &amp; Saturation Contrast filters, and FxFactory users can download a trial version to give them a spin before buying. Best of all, the plugins work great in Final Cut Pro X as well as the most recent CC editions of Adobe's creative video applications.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_app_recap_documents_43_indesign_cc_1gb_free_dropbox_storage#commentsNewsApp Storedocuments by readdleDropboxFxFactoryInDesign CCMailboxNoise Industriesovernight recapreaddleiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 23 Aug 2013 11:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17852 at http://www.maclife.comApp Recap: 1Password 4 Mac Beta, Units 2.0, Mailbox Goes Universalhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/app_recap_1password_4_mac_beta_units_20_mailbox_goes_universal
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/units_2.0_200px.png" alt="Units 2.0" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Whether you use a Mac, iPad or iPhone, the last 24 hours or so have produced some welcome updates to your favorite apps -- including universal support for Mailbox, and signups for the next version of 1Password for Mac.<br /><br /><a href="https://agilebits.com/beta_signups/newsletter" target="_blank">AgileBits announced Thursday</a> that a new beta for the Mac version of 1Password is on the way -- and if you act quickly, you might even be able to help work out any final kinks as a beta tester.<br /><br />"We're excited to announce that 1Password 4 for Mac will be released later this year!" the brief newsletter signup page reads. "We are expanding the beta gradually and would love for you to join us."<br /><br />Toss those folks your email address, confirm your interest and you're in -- but it may a couple of months before beta testers actually get their hands on the latest Mac version.<br /><br />On the iPad front, popular third-party Gmail client <a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/blog/?p=1#mailbox-now-on-your-ipad" target="_blank">Mailbox announced Thursday</a> that <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mailbox/id576502633?mt=8" target="_blank">a new universal update</a> is now available from the App Store, adding long-awaited iPad support.<br /><br />"You asked, we listened," the brief blog post reads. "Mailbox is now available for iPad, so you can swipe your way to inbox zero on all your iOS devices."<br /><br />Last but not least, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/units-unit-converter-for-your/id285590154?mt=8" target="_blank">Crossroad Solutions released version 2.0 of Units</a>, a unit converter for iPhone first released a mere week after the App Store opened its virtual doors in 2008. In addition to finally adding proper iOS 6 and iPhone 5 support, the completely overhauled app now features an integrated calculator, simplified interface and oodles of shortcuts (users are no longer limited to just three).<br /><br />Best of all, Units 2.0 is available at the introductory price of only 99 cents, but only for a limited time. The update for iPhone and iPod touch requires iOS 6.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/app_recap_1password_4_mac_beta_units_20_mailbox_goes_universal#commentsNews1Password 4app recapApp Storebeta periodGmailiPad supportMailboxproductivity appsUnitsUniversal AppsiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 24 May 2013 12:06:33 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17074 at http://www.maclife.comWeekend Recap: Why iPhone, Mailbox + Dropbox, THX Sues Apple, Jobs Delayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_why_iphone_mailbox_dropbox_thx_sues_apple_jobs_delay
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/why_iphone_200px.png" alt="Why iPhone?" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />With only four weeks left before the poorly-titled <em>jOBS</em> unauthorized biopic was set to land in theaters, the distributor has now delayed the Ashton Kutcher vehicle. But it's not all bad -- they're ditching that title and ramping up their promotional efforts, but you'll have to read on to find out more.</p><h3>Apple Kicks Off "Why iPhone" Promotional Campaign</h3><p>Many Apple pundits believe the folks in Cupertino are starting to feel the marketing heat from rival Samsung. True or not, the iPhone maker is stepping up its game with <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/why-iphone/" target="_blank">a new campaign aimed at educating consumers</a> why its smartphone is the better choice. "What makes an iPhone unlike anything else?" the updated iPhone website asks. "Maybe it’s that it lets you do so many things. Or that it lets you do so many things so easily. Those are two reasons iPhone owners say they love their iPhone. But there are many others as well." Those reasons range from being J.D. Power and Associates' customer satisfaction winner eight times in a row to the Retina Display and the iPhone's current position as "the world's most popular camera." Samsung, your move...</p><h3>Mailbox App Acquired by Dropbox</h3><p>If you're still waiting to get access to the Mailbox app, your wait may have just gotten shorter. <a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/reservations/?p=1#to-grow-even-faster-mailbox-is-joining-dropbox" target="_blank">The Mailbox Team announced Friday</a> that it has been acquired by <a href="https://blog.dropbox.com/2013/03/welcome-mailbox/" target="_blank">Dropbox</a>, who the developers call "our kind of company." But fear not: Dropbox has no plans to bury the Mailbox app -- in fact, the developers claim that things should start moving at a much faster pace under the wing of the popular cloud storage company, even teasing "imagine what cool things you could do if your Mailbox was connected to your Dropbox." Stay tuned for the fruits of that labor...</p><h3>THX Sues Apple Over Speaker Patents</h3><p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/thx-ltd-founded-by-george-lucas-sues-apple-in-patent-case-1-.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg reported Friday</a> that THX Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against Apple over the speaker technology used in its iOS devices. THX is a division of Star Wars mogul George Lucas's Lucasfilm made legendary for their efforts to improve cinema audio, first in theaters and later in homes. According to a federal court complaint filed on Thursday, "THX holds a 2008 patent for a speaker unit that can boost sound output and attach to computers or flat-screen televisions," which the company claims Apple has incorporated into its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad speakers.</p><h3>Release of Ashton Kutcher "Jobs" Biopic Delayed</h3><p>Bad news, Ashton Kutcher fans: The actor's latest work as iconic Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has been delayed. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ashton-kutchers-jobs-biopic-release-429103" target="_blank">According to <em>The Hollywood Reporter</em></a>, the unofficial <em>jOBS</em> biopic was set to hit theaters from Open Road Films on April 19, which marks the 37th anniversary of Apple Computer. The distributor has now decided to postpone that release citing "more time to market the film," and has also done away with the strange inverse capitalization at the same time -- the movie is now simply known as <em>Jobs</em>. No new release date has yet been announced.</p><h3>Letters Flash Cards ABC Ready to Educate Pre-K Children</h3><p>Deedil announced the release of its latest children's education app, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letters-flash-cards-abc/id611265720?mt=8" target="_blank">Letters Flash Cards ABC</a>, a 99-cent universal app available now for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The app is designed for parents and teachers to help early learners with letter recognition, featuring activity pages early learners can use to trace letters print them out when finished. Little ones can use the app with narration or tap for pronunciation only for fun skill-building. If you'd like to try before buying, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letters-flash-cards-abc-lite/id611298676?mt=8" target="_blank">a free lite version is also available</a>.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_why_iphone_mailbox_dropbox_thx_sues_apple_jobs_delay#commentsNewsApple Inc.apps for kidsAshton KutcherDropboxlawsuitsMailboxmarketingPatentsSteve Jobsthxweekend recapiPadiPhoneiPodMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:22:31 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16503 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's 10 Hottest Apple News Stories, February 22http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_february_22_0
<!--paging_filter--><p>So Google dropped two items, two pricey items, out into the public sphere recently. Only one of which is for sale for anyone, while the other is still in test mode. Meanwhile we've got some serious review love this week. So if you want our take on the email app du jour and more, you've come to the right place.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_february_22_0#commentsGalleryNewsAmazonambient noiseapplescriptchromebookChromebook PixeldougscriptDropboxEvernotegamesGamingiPadipad adslaptopMacLife 101MailboxpixelSecurityText editorTrackSiftwrite for dropboxZendeskSat, 23 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000J Keirn-Swanson16305 at http://www.maclife.comMailbox Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/mailbox_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>For many, the prospect of "inbox zero" seems impossible – the unicorn of modern communication. Mailbox understands this struggle to stay atop the constant deluge of digital correspondence, and sees the problem not as a matter of personal effort, but rather perception. As such, rather than resemble typical mobile email options, Orchestra's new iPhone app takes its inspiration from the to-do list, challenging users to clear their inboxes like checking tasks off when completed, with a handful of breezy actions used to facilitate the process.<br /><br />Currently designed to work only with Gmail accounts, Mailbox enables snap judgments with the swipe of a finger. Archiving an email from the inbox is done with a light swipe to the right, which a more complete right swipe sends the unwanted message to the trash. Despite the similar actions, they're differentiated enough to avoid mixing up your intentions, and the approach makes it easy to smash through an overnight stockpile of notes while the morning coffee's pouring.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/02/screen_13.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>It's the leftward swipes that give Mailbox a larger toolset than the average client, however. The smaller swipe lets you remove an email from the inbox and reappear at a specified date and time, allowing you to hide certain notes until pertinent. Meanwhile, the full left swipe unveils a list of folders (examples include "To Buy" and "To Read") to let you sort emails for easy access later. You can add your own from the app, and they'll all show up alongside the marked-for-later folder wherever you use Gmail, whether it's web, the official app, or Mail.<br /><br />In practice, Mailbox offers an elegant way to stay atop the madhouse that is your email inbox, and it's a largely smooth experience throughout. It has a couple of nagging annoyances, though, like messages that still appear unread in the app when you read them elsewhere, and likewise notifications that hang around when that mail is read somewhere else (unlike with Apple's Mail). Also, while you can browse your Gmail archive and search within locally available emails, there's no option for searching emails on the server, nor can you access existing labels from the outset – you'll have to re-nest them under "[Mailbox]" within Gmail's settings to access them through the app.</p><p>We were already on the fence over whether Mailbox could be an all-in-one Gmail solution considering such annoyances and omissions, but we got our answer when Mailbox's servers went down a week after release, leaving users without access to new messages for several hours. Mailbox is young and promising, but following that surprise downtime, the idea of putting a middleman between our iPhones and Gmail's servers suddenly seems hugely unappealing. Until the app matures and stabilizes, we'll consider it a helpful secondary sorting tool rather than a primary resource.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line.</strong> Mailbox's smart approach and UI make it incredibly helpful, but growing pains keep it from replacing your mail app of choice.<br /><br />[Editor's Note: <em>As of this posting, Mailbox is restricting access to the app via a first-come, first-served system, with more than 800,000 people currently waiting to use the service. You can download the app now from the App Store, but expect to be greeted with a large and slowly-dwindling number of how many people are in front of you in line, plus a sure-to-grow tally of those still behind. (Also, added note to review regarding workaround for accessing existing labels via renesting process.)</em>]</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mailbox/id576502633?mt=8" target="_blank">Mailbox 1.0.1</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Orchestra </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com" target="_blank">http://www.mailboxapp.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 6.0 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fresh approach to mobile email makes it easy to stay atop your inbox deluge. Slick UI based around very simple and effective swipe actions.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Servers not stable enough to be a primary email client. Only for Gmails users to start. No ability to search emails not saved locally. Must re-nest existing labels to access them in app.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/mailbox_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeEmailinboxiPhone and iPod AppsiPod and iPhoneMailboxOrchestrareviewsSoftwaresoftwareTue, 19 Feb 2013 18:30:06 +0000Andrew Hayward16264 at http://www.maclife.comThe 10 Hottest Apple News Stories, The Week of February 8http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/10_hottest_apple_news_stories_week_february_8
<!--paging_filter--><p>It was a week of news for the big iPad, the little iPad, and even something as old as email made news this week. We've got more details on all of this plus a how-to, a rumor, a jailbreak announcement, and the competition floundering. Sounds like a pretty good week, all in all.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/10_hottest_apple_news_stories_week_february_8#commentsGalleryNewsapple gamesautomatorevasion jailbreakhot newsiPadiPad 128GBiPhone 5Siphone 6iTunesjailbreakMac ProMailboxMicrosoft SurfaceskypeSongsSurfaceweekly newsSat, 09 Feb 2013 00:25:23 +0000J Keirn-Swanson16196 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: AirPort Updates, Skype 4.5, Mailbox, Skitch for iOS, Rabbithttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_airport_updates_skype_45_mailbox_skitch_ios_rabbit
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/airport_utility_app_icon_200px.png" alt="AirPort Utility icon" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />What better way to end this first full week of February than with an explosion of apps? Thursday was a big day for apps old and new, with plenty of updates and even a couple of fresh releases hitting the pipeline for those with the right access. There's plenty to cover, so let's get right to it, shall we…?</p><h3>Apple Releases AirPort Utility, Base Station Firmware Updates</h3><p>If you happen to own one of Apple's AirPort or Time Capsule products, there are a few updates waiting for you today. Between a combination of updates to <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1628?viewlocale=en_US&amp;locale=en_US" target="_blank">AirPort Utility 6.2 for Mac</a>, <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1617" target="_blank">AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.6.3</a> and the universal iOS <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airport-utility/id427276530?mt=8" target="_blank">AirPort Utility 1.2</a>, users will now have the ability to extend a guest Wi-Fi network configured with multiple AirPort Base Stations as well as add a WPS-capable Wi-Fi printer. The release notes also include "improved international support," but we'll leave it to our overseas readers to confirm if that one is true.</p><h3>Skype 4.5 for iOS Offers Automatic Recovery for Dropped Calls</h3><p><a href="http://blogs.skype.com/garage/2013/02/skype_45_for_iphone_and_ipad.html?cm_mmc=SMTW%7C7001_B1-_-Outgoing%20-%20Mobile" target="_blank">The Skype Garage Blog announced</a> updates to the company's iPhone/iPod touch and iPad apps this week, bringing them to version 4.5. Both apps now allow automatic call recovery for dropped calls as well as a fix to make instant message conversations now appear in the correct order. The ability to opt in or out of marketing is also included with app registration. The iPhone version also allows emergency calls to be routed through the native dialer, while the iPad edition features an improved spacing and minor UI changes for the iPad mini as well as the ability to swipe from the left of screen to see recent conversations. If you haven't updated by now, hit the App Store and grab the free updates straight away!</p><h3>Mailbox App Launches, But You'll Need a Reservation to Use It</h3><p>Orchestra, Inc. announced the availability of their third-party email client, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mailbox/id576502633?mt=8" target="_blank">Mailbox</a>. The iPhone app is free, but in order to use it, you'll need to reserve your place in line -- it's only available on a first-come, first served basis. The mobile-friendly email client has been the talk of the town in recent weeks, despite only working with Gmail at this point (the developer promises other email platforms are "coming soon"). Sadly it's not a universal app so you'll have to make sure with other email solutions on the iPad, but if you're interested in getting on board, you might want to download and open the app now to reserve your place in line.</p><h3>Skitch for iOS Updates Text Editor, Gains Performance Boost</h3><p><a href="http://blog.evernote.com/blog/2013/02/07/skitch-for-ios-gets-a-new-text-editor-and-boosted-performance/" target="_blank">The Evernote Blog announced</a> a new version of Skitch for iOS on Thursday, with a version 2.0.3 update that introduces a more intuitive text editor and plenty of under-the-hood improvements that make the app "noticeably quicker and more stable." The update makes adding annotations to images or changing text a snap -- just tap on existing text and drag the corner to make it as small or large as you'd like. If you'd rather edit the text, tap once to select it and then tap again to start typing. As always, the free update is available on the App Store now.</p><h3>Startup Rabbit Launches Mac-Only Video Sharing, Chat Service</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/02/07/rabbit-a-video-sharing-and-chat-service-launching-on-the-mac-only/" target="_blank">MacRumors reported Thursday</a> that video sharing startup <a href="http://www.letsrabbit.com" target="_blank">Rabbit</a> has launched its new Mac-only chat service in closed beta. But forget about visions of old technology such as AIM or Yahoo! -- Rabbit is something completely new which allows group video conferencing with the ability to screencast music, movies and even applications right from your Mac. While the promo video seems to indicate the service is aimed at teens, we can see it catching on with groups of friends in different cities or even around the world to create shared experiences such as watching their favorite TV show on Hulu or catching up with those forthcoming Arrested Development episodes on Netflix. But first you'll need to sign up for the beta, after which you can invite all of your Facebook friends to also join the party.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_airport_updates_skype_45_mailbox_skitch_ios_rabbit#commentsNewsAirPort ExtremeAirPort UtilityApp StoreiOS appsMailboxovernight recapRabbitSkitchskypesocial networkingiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 08 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16184 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: 500px Removed from App Store, Mailbox Reservationshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_500px_removed_app_store_mailbox_reservations
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_chinese_new_year_200px.png" alt="Apple Chinese New Year ad" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It's hard to believe almost a month has already gone by since most of us were preparing to celebrate Christmas, but January is rapidly winding to a close. Thankfully, we have some hot controversy brewing over a popular photo app getting yanked out of the App Store to keep us warm during this frigid first month of 2013, and there's plenty more to read about that you also might have missed...</p><h3>Apple Pulls 500px App Over "Pornographic" Images</h3><p>Apple is finding itself in hot water yet again over the App Store, but this time it's over an existing app being pulled, rather than initially rejected. <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/22/apple-pulls-500pxs-mobile-apps-from-the-app-store-claiming-its-too-easy-to-search-for-nude-photos/" target="_blank">As first noted by TechCrunch on Tuesday</a>, photo sharing app 500px found itself getting yanked out of the App Store over a disagreement regarding nude images popping up in search results. While the developer was working with Apple to address the problem in an update, Cupertino pulled the plug entirely, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/22/3904356/500px-iso500-photo-apps-pulled-from-itunes-allegedly-over-nudes" target="_blank">telling The Verge</a> the removal stemmed from "pornographic images and material" found within the app -- and potentially far worse, "possible child pornography." That came as a surprise to the folks at 500px, who are no doubt scrambling to work around the issue and get the app back in the store.</p><h3>Forthcoming Mailbox App Opens Reservation System</h3><p>Email junkies are dutifully waiting for Mailbox, a new iPhone app teased last month on video which promises to bring world-class service to iOS. Due to the overwhelming response to the forthcoming app, the developers have <a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/reservations/" target="_blank">implemented a reservation system on their website</a> and will be releasing invitations on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your own place in line, head to the website and enter your iPhone number; you'll then receive an SMS text message confirming your reservation, and then the waiting begins for the app to actually appear on the App Store.</p><h3>Amazon Brings In-App Purchases to Mac, PC, Web Games</h3><p><a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=97664&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1776630&amp;highlight=" target="_blank">Amazon announced Tuesday</a> that game developers will now have a way to monetize titles sold on their service by bring their Android-powered Amazon Appstore in-app purchasing system to the Mac, PC and even web-based games. Amazon's system one-ups Apple's own by allowing the use of any credit card, gift certificate or even promotional credit associated with a user's Amazon account, and in-app purchases will even appear on best seller lists, recommendations and merchandising campaigns. The company isn't detailing what in-app purchases will cost for Mac, PC or web developers, but those interested in finding out can <a href="http://gameservices.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/inapppurchasing.html" target="_blank">head to the company's dedicated website for in-app purchasing</a> and contact the e-tailer.</p><h3>Yikes! Surface Windows 8 Pro Lands Feb. 9 for $899</h3><p><a href="http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/01/22/growing-the-surface-family-surface-windows-8-pro-availability-confirmed.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft finally ended the mystery</a> of how much its Intel Core i5-powered Surface Windows 8 Pro will cost, and when it will be available. The souped-up tablet, which runs a full version of Windows 8 Pro rather than the stripped-down Windows RT for tablets, is arriving on February 9 starting at $899. Available in both 64GB and 128GB models, the more powerful Surface will be available at Microsoft Stores, <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US" target="_blank">online</a> and at Staples and Best Buy locations across the U.S. Sure, for that price you could get yourself a pretty decent Windows 8 notebook instead, but then you'd be missing out on that sweet Surface Pen that Microsoft is throwing into the mix.</p><h3>Apple Teases One-Day Chinese New Year Sale This Friday</h3><p>Chinese New Year is almost upon us, and to celebrate, <a href="http://store.apple.com/sg/browse/new_year/red_friday" target="_blank">Apple will be holding a one-day sale this Friday, January 25</a> in its Asian locales and online stores, promising customers they'll find "great gifts for everyone on your list and get free shipping." Needless to say, this one-day shopping event doesn't apply to customers in the U.S. or other non-Asian countries, so you'll have to keep the credit card holstered on Friday, pardner...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_500px_removed_app_store_mailbox_reservations#commentsNews500pxAmazonApp StoreApple Inc.ChineseIn-App PurchasesMailboxNew Year'sovernight recapReservationsiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 23 Jan 2013 13:18:33 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16050 at http://www.maclife.com